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Removal of barrierRemoval of barrierDisclaimer: In addition to the standard disclaimer located at the bottom of the page, please note the Fishways (biopassage structures) disclaimer. DescriptionThe removal of artificial instream barriers can be an option for restoring connectivity for fish and other aquatic fauna. It involves reinstating the natural open channel allowing all species and size classes of fish and other aquatic fauna to move at all flows. Removal is becoming increasingly considered as old structures become redundant[1]. Barrier removal is not a simple concept or task. It is vital to have broad stakeholder involvement including social, economic, cultural and heritage representation. Detailed assessments are required to understand potential impacts of removal e.g. instream barriers may hold back large amounts of impounded sediment and contaminants, which need to be evaluated and planned for before barrier removal and some natural barriers are also important for maintaining isolated populations (i.e. protection from predators and genetic isolation). Artificial instream barriers can also create important refuge habitats in areas such as the Murray Darling Basin, which may become increasingly significant as surface flow reductions continue[2]. References
Last updated: 10 May 2021 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2021) Removal of barrier, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/management/fish-passage/technologies/fishway-options/removal/ |